Ocean City Intermediate School Principal Matthew Engle and the students pose for a group photo during the school tour. (Courtesy of Ocean City school district)
Ocean City Primary School third graders visited the district’s Intermediate School as a special end-of-the-year experience.
The day offered an exciting and informative introduction to their next academic adventure, helping to ease the transition and build anticipation for the year ahead.
Seventh graders who are part of the National Junior Honor Society escorted the 55 rising fourth graders through the building.
Staff members introduced themselves and answered questions, and all those involved helped the students feel more confident and excited about their transition to OCIS, according to a news release.
The brand-new event, a collaborative effort between OCPS and OCIS, has been in development for some time. With the support and partnership between OCIS Principal Matthew Engle and OCPS Principal Cathleen Smith, the idea was brought to life.
“We are so grateful for the effort that went into creating such a positive experience,” Smith said. “It is clear that the Intermediate School is a place where students will be supported, challenged, and encouraged to thrive.”
Many OCPS parents also expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
“We could see that the young students were enjoying themselves, and we heard from parents that the event was a success," Engle said. "We look forward to making this an annual tradition."
The Intermediate School is the home to students in fourth through eighth grades that reside in Ocean City and Sea Isle City.
Students can participate in a variety of academic courses and co-curricular and extracurricular clubs. Teachers and staff emphasize real-world connections and relevance within the curriculum, preparing students to thrive in their future endeavors, including their transition to High School, according to the release.
“Our administration, staff and students work together as one Raider Family no matter the building,” said Ocean City School District Superintendent Christian Angelillo. “Helping students feel confident in a new school environment before the first day sets the foundation for a successful year. Our goal with early acclimation is to build excitement for their next steps and give students a sense of belonging no matter what level they are at in their academic careers.”
The preview is the first of two events that will welcome incoming fourth graders and their families. The annual 4th Grade Orientation at the end of August allows students and families to meet teachers, tour the building, and receive a comprehensive presentation on what the day and year looks like at OCIS.
The High School offers a similar opportunity for eighth grade students transitioning to OCHS. The Orientation & Electives Fair event gives students from OCIS, Upper Township, and incoming Choice Students a chance to tour the school and receive an overview of the many academic, athletic and extracurricular opportunities.
For more information on the Ocean City School District, visit www.ocsdnj.org.
